Houston Mayor Annise Parker proclaimed May 3, 2011 as James B. Sales Day in honor of the former State Bar of Texas president and Texas Access to Justice Commission chair. During a presentation ceremony in Houston, former State Bar President Wayne Fisher said he had never known anybody with as much integrity as Jim Sales. Shauna Johnson Clark, partner-in-charge of the Houston office of Fulbright & Jaworski L.L.P., said Sales innately understands that to whom much is given, much is expected. State Bar President Terry Tottenham praised Sales for his accomplishments, including his efforts to promote professionalism among lawyers, implement Texas’ IOLTA program, and bolster services to lawyers suffering from substance abuse and mental health issues. Tottenham noted especially Sales’ role as chair of the ATJ Commission, during which he helped secure $20 million to help fund legal services to the poor. The Commission’s current chair, Harry Reasoner, said Sales had given selflessly and worked hard not for his glory but to ensure justice for all. Sales thanked the mayor and council, his friends and family, and all the “legendary lawyers who set the standard of giving back your time and talent.”
